In the heart of Indianapolis, the Butler Bulldogs Basketball team embodies grit, determination, and relentless team spirit at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Known for Cinderella runs and March Madness heroics, this storied program has captivated fans and etched its legacy into collegiate basketball history. Now, as we assemble the all-time starting five, we celebrate not just players, but legends. These athletes have donned the Butler blue and white, giving their all to forge a powerhouse legacy on the court.
Iconic buzzer-beaters and relentless defensive stands define the Butler Bulldogs’ basketball style. These players embody “The Butler Way”—a commitment to selflessness, passion, and excellence. Join us as we journey through time, revisiting the careers that transformed Butler from a mid-major team into a national powerhouse. This exploration is more than nostalgia; it’s a celebration of the spirit, battles, and triumphs that define Butler basketball.
Who makes it to this prestigious lineup? Let’s find out as we unveil the giants whose shoulders today’s Bulldogs stand upon.
Butler Basketball: Bulldogs All-Time Starting 5
Guard: Shelvin Mack
Shelvin Mack is a paramount figure in Butler lore. He played three seasons for the Bulldogs. He started 107 out of 108 possible games. Mack was a leader in the locker room and on the court. He consistently contributed highly to his team’s success. During his playing career (2008-2011), Mack-led Butler basketball teams went a combined 87-21. He helped lead his team to back-to-back National Championship appearances. His career stat line of 14.1 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per game, and 3.3 assists per game. He was a semi-reliable shooter, but his steadying hand is what really made him a paramount figure at Butler.
Guard: Kellen Dunham
Kellen Dunham played guard for the Butler basketball team from 2012-2016. He was a staple in their starting rotation, starting 109 games out of a possible 134. Dunham was picked over other guards mostly for his switchability. He’s a 6’6″ guard and in today’s basketball landscape, he’d be an ideal perimeter player on both ends. Dunham is the sharpshooter on the team, canning 38.5% of his three-point attempts. His inclusion here is further enforced by the transition from the A-10 to the Big East, where he continued to contribute to winning basketball even in a more difficult conference. Overall, Dunham-led teams went 86-48 with three NCAA tournament appearances.
Forward: Gordon Hayward
If only the half-court heave from Gordon Hayward went into the basket, Butler basketball would be held in slightly higher regard. Hayward is the face of modern Butler basketball. A natural scorer and effortless passer, Hayward put Butler on the map. Sure, teams had success prior to his arrival, but he was the one who brought them to their first National Championship. Hayward used his size, strength, and athleticism to overtake opponents. Furthermore, his high-level effort on both ends of the court turned him into a model figure for incoming players. It’s not outlandish to say that Hayward’s contributions paved the way for their admittance into the Big East years later.
Forward: Kelan Martin
Kelan Martin is the second-highest scorer in Butler basketball history. His 2,047 career points trail only Chad Tucker’s 2,321. Additionally, Martin was an exceptional winner. While at Butler, Martin-led teams made it to the NCAA tournament every season from 2014-2018. Moreover, Martin led the Bulldogs to a 91-45 record. Martin wasn’t just an exceptional winner and scorer. He was also known for playing up to big-time moments. Although he was a bit undersized, he used this to his advantage, constantly putting teams in defensive mismatches. It’s telling that Butler basketball is still reeling a bit ever since he left campus. The team has not made an NCAA tournament appearance since. This is something head coach Thad Matta will look to fix this upcoming season.
Center: Matt Howard
Lastly, we have Matt Howard taking the court for the Bulldogs as the team’s center. Like Mack and Hayward, Howard was on the team during the glory days of Butler basketball. He played on the team from 2007-2011, appearing in both of the NCAA Championship games. To put it simply, Howard is the foundation for Butler’s platform today. In total, the big man went 117-25. He averaged 13.8 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, and 1.1 assists per game. Also, he was a four-time All-Horizon League member. He hit threes, rebounded well, and played very good defense. Arguably the best Bulldog in team history, Howard transcended Butler basketball and turned them into a perennial contender.
